The official start of spring is this weekend and activities and events throughout San Diego are in full bloom. Museums, theme parks, and businesses all over SoCal are abuzz with cool happenings to kick off the season. We’ve put together a thrilling bucket list of springtime activities your family is sure to enjoy. Read on for where to put some spring in your step!
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1. Birch Aquarium is fully open and welcoming visitors. Venture behind the scenes for a one-hour private tour and explore the fascinating world of seahorses. Or plan a summer trip to view the upcoming Little Blue Penguins experience. In person summer camps are back this year, too.
2. Catch a park ranger activity at one of the many different terrains in the county. Our guide shows you where to go and top tips on having the best excursion with your junior ranger.
3. Talk to the animals! We know just where to go to experience up-close and personal, private animal encounters––from Friesian horses to lions, tigers and bears!
4. Check out the all-new Basecamp at the San Diego Zoo! Your family can explore four acres of wildlife and learn about nature, encounter new species and actively play while developing empathy for wildlife.
5. Disneyland is open and thriving. Whether you're excited to check out the newly renovated Toontown or want a family-friendly food and wine festival that only Disneyland can deliver, there are plenty of reasons to head north to the happiest place on earth this spring.
6. Enjoy a serene meal outdoors at one of our favorite secret picnic spots. We also direct you to the best nearby takeout food for an effortless meal.
7. Hankering for an epic spring break? Check out our top picks for a quick and inexpensive getaway, close to home.
8. Still dreaming of traveling by RV for your next trip, there are so many stunning SoCal stops to explore. Read our ultimate guide and start planning now.
9. Visit LEGOLAND CA for the day or stay overnight for an epic adventure. Get the scoop on 21 secrets that will make your visit awesome.
10. The San Diego Natural History Museum launches its living lab exhibit. Families can come eye to eye with animals that are common to our region but are sometimes rarely seen because of their seasonality, reclusive nature, or nocturnal lifestyle habits. Go see what else is new, including their new California Blooming exhibit.
11. Speaking of blooms, go ooh and aah over acres of colorful and gorgeous flowers at The Flower Fields. This season's theme is "Escape Into Color," see it before they close for the season on May 8th. Also don't miss kid's day on March 26th.
12. Connect with nature by going to a place where it's fiercely protected. Find out our top picks for nature preserves, nature reserves, refuges and sanctuaries that serve as a haven for wildlife, plants and lands.
13. Go berry picking! We know all the best spots where you'll have bushels of fun picking strawberries, blueberries and more delicious produce straight from the farm.
14. Step right up and enjoy the Fern Street Circus as they juggle, tumble and clown their way through San Diego during April and May.
15. Is visiting a National Park on your family's bucket list? Here are several you can drive to, as well as awesome places to stay nearby.
16. Encourage your little one's artistic side by visiting one of these cool art walks on a sunny, spring day.
17. Spring is the perfect time to go camping and/or plan a summer camping trip. See the best places to pitch a tent here.
18. Dreaming of escaping to an island vacation? We've got everything you need to know about visiting Catalina Island with kids.
19. Shhh... go visit one of these beautiful local parks that boast little known activity offerings no one knows about.
20. Hike and bike! Check out all the best paths and trails in the city to take kids on a fun and safe bike ride or a kid-friendly hike.
RELATED STORIES:
21 LEGOLAND Secrets That’ll Make Your Trip Awesome
7 Park Ranger Programs for Kids
Spring Break Road Trips from San Diego
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